Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is a disordered metabolism where the secretion of insulin is low in the body resulting in a abnormally high level of glucose in the blood stream. There are three types of diabetes, but type 2 is the most common.
The basic cause of diabetes is the autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. As a result of this, the production of the insulin is decreased, increasing the blood sugar in the blood.
The symptoms of DM type 2 are
1. polydipsia
2. polyuria
3. polyphagia
4. Unexpected weight loss and lethargy.
If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get evaluated for diabetes. The earliest diabetes is detected, the better its management would be. There are several complications which may occur because of diabetes, hence it is always better to get diagnosed at the earliest.
The first line of management of diabetes is diet and exercise.
Diet and Exercise
In many cases, the blood sugar levels may come under control and remain there only by changing the diet pattern. Increased intake of fiber, decreased carbohydrates and fats, and increased protein intake would aid in the control of blood sugar levels.
Oral medicines
The onset of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is usually in late 40s. At this age, changing the existing dietary pattern and exercise in an individual is difficult, though not impossible. Most of the people have a sedentary life style and making an immediate change may not be feasible. So as a mode of treatment, medicines in the form of tablets are introduced. These are agents which control the level of blood sugar. In type 2 DM, the pancreas cells continue producing insulin, but the cells develop a resistance to insulin, and in these cases, oral medicines are effective.
There are several types of oral medicines for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Some of them are,
1. sulfonlyureas- the medicines stimulate the pancreas and result in increased production of insulin.
2. biguanides- these medicines increase the insulin’s capability to move glucose into different cells in the body.
3. thiazolidineiones- these improve insulin’s effectiveness in the body cells.
Some of the common oral medicines in use today are
1. Actos. This is a thiazolidineiones type of oral medicine for diabetes. This is also once a day pill. There are different doses of the medicine and so can be adjusted according to your requirement.
2. Glimepiride (Amaryl). This is a sulfonlyurea type of oral medicine for diabetes. It is usually given as once a day dose along with the main meal of the day.
3. Avandia. This medicine has been associated with the worsening of certain existing heart conditions. If you develop any untoward symptom while on the medicine, immediately contact the physician.
4. Glipizide (Glucotrol). This is another sulfonlyurea type of oral medicine for type 2 DM. This is usually taken once a day, 30 minutes before the meal.
5. Glyburide ( Glucovance). This is also a sulfonylurea type of medicine.
Side effects of oral medicines for type 2 DM
1. Hypoglycemia. This is the most important side effect that occurs while the patient is on oral medicines. The level of blood glucose falls to a very low level and symptoms like dizziness, nausea, hunger and even unconscious may develop.
2. Some of the oral medications for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may aggravate certain symptoms of other diseases. Of there are any untoward symptom while you are taking the medicine, immediately inform the physician.
Type 2 DM is a disease condition which can be kept under control with proper medicines, diet and exercise. And this is also a condition if not taken care of, may worsen and have very serious complications involving all the parts of the nbody.